The best part about entering a new footy season is that it's a fresh slate - every club starts from zero.
Optimism is high as fans relish in the prospect of their club making some form of improvement on last year, whether that's contending for a premiership, returning to September action, or seeing young players blossom into genuine superstars to push a rebuild forward.
However, there are also doubts. Lists have been reshaped, coaches have tweaked their systems, and with those changes comes an uncomfortable question that will refuse to subside until the 2026 season is underway.
So, what is the harsh question pressing at the front of your team's mind? Below is every club's burning question heading into 2026...
Port Adelaide
Will Zak Butters' pending contract call distract the Power?
Port Adelaide's drop off from their top two finish in 2024 was stark.
The Power ranked 14th in points allowed, 15th in points for and 10th in clearances in 2025, 12 months on from ranking 3rd, 8th and 7th in those respective categories.
While regular injuries to key positional players and midfield stars likely contributed to this plunge, inhibiting an already shallow playing list, many have linked the dramatic descent down the ladder to the circus surrounding their coaching succession plan which was revealed last February.
That plan saw Ken Hinkley prepare to hand over the reins to assistant Josh Carr at the conclusion of the 2025 season, though speculation ran rampant that an early change of the guard would take place once Finals became out of reach.
The instability of the situation certainly impacted the players on-field performances and time will tell if the transition into Carr's supposedly more dynamic system will translate immediately in 2026.
However, that may not matter if a similar off-field story continues to mount pressure on the playing group in an intense footy-loving state, that being superstar Zak Butters and his future at the club.
The impact of contract speculation was evident just last year, with the Carlton Blues most obviously affected by the tension regarding the futures of Tom De Koning and Jack Silvagni, as the latter publicly met with in-state rivals during the year.
The Power will be hopeful for an immediate return to the post-season but will have to manage the Butters rumours effectively to keep the playing group tight-knit and focused.
